The seventh annual Walsh University Cavathon brought dancing for a good cause to the Cecchini Center on Saturday, April 10. With 35 participants, the daylong event raised more than $18,150 for Akron Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
“I am beyond proud of the Cavathon group! At the beginning of the year, we were not sure if we would even be able to have an in-person event so planning was difficult,” said Assistant Director of Residence Life Alexis Howard Hedrick. “The Cavathon Board was very dedicated and worked so hard all year to make sure we could hold the event safely. The day of the event, all Board members and participants gladly did whatever they needed to do to safely be there together to fundraise for Akron Children's and it was wonderful to have a group of such passionate and dedicated students together! They did it all for the kids at Akron Children's Hospital!”
This year’s theme was “There’s a Hero Among Us” with dancers wearing brightly colored clothes as they competed in games throughout the 12-hour day. The students stayed busy throughout the day by dancing, playing games, learning new moves from the Walsh Dance Team, and particpating in a Zumba class. Students were also able to Zoom with several of the children and their families who are a part of the Children's Miracle Network from Akron Children's Hospital. The interaction provided an opportunity for students to hear first-hand the incredible stories of strength of the children who benefit from Akron Children's Hospital care and programs.
The day concluded with a final reveal dance performed by the entire group. Walsh President Dr. Tim Collins joined in on the final dance as the teams celebrated their fundraising total. All proceeds will go to Akron Children's Hospital.
The members of the Cavathon Board include Executive Board Members: Amelia Ohlin (Overall Director), Eleanore Craider (External Director), Victoria Thompson (Internal Director) and Claire Spettel (Moral Director). The group have been planning this event since October with many campus partners helping to sponsor the event.
“After our event being cancelled last year due to COVID, I wanted to do everything I could to make sure that we were able to host an event this year. The thought of having an in-person event during this time seemed like a daunting task, but I am so proud of all the work our team did to make it happen,” said Amelia Ohlin. “It was such an amazing experience to be able to work so closely with representatives with Akron Children's and Children Miracle Network Hospitals and gain insight about fundraising, leadership, and planning. I'm sad that this is my last year being with Cavathon, but I think my fellow senior executive board members will agree that being FOR THE KIDS is forever.”
